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Lawmakers Hear Bill to Raise Penalties for Falsified Lead Test Results After MDE Lawsuit
Summary
Delegate Rosenberg presented legislation to increase penalties for people who falsify lead testing or inspection information; sponsor cited an MDE lawsuit and community advocates supported stiffer deterrents.
Delegate Delia Rosenberg introduced House Bill 1367 after referring to a Maryland Department of the Environment enforcement action against a lead tester alleged to have submitted false test results. The bill would enhance penalties to deter falsified lead testing or inspection information that could falsely indicate a property is safe.
Nut graf: Sponsor and supporting witnesses said stronger penalties are justified to protect children and households from the health harms of undisclosed or falsified lead hazards; specific penalty amounts were not fixed and the sponsor said she was open to committee direction on the magnitude of fines.
Rosenberg said the existing penalty was insufficient and the state has an interest in imposing a stronger deterrent where falsified documentation would expose children to toxic lead paint hazards. She told the committee she was not wedded to a specific fine but sought a statutory change to increase deterrence. No opponents appeared at the hearing; committee did not act on the measure during the session.
Ending: Sponsor urged a favorable with amendment report to calibrate penalties as appropriate to create a meaningful deterrent and to align with existing enforcement practice at MDE.
